Community Engagement
Ongoing engagements with our neighbouring communities take place through community liaison forums. The SAPREF CLF is made up of representatives of community organisations from communities on the refinery fence line. The Island View CLF addresses issues of the communities closet to the Island View precinct.
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Science Centers
SAPREF is committed to enhancing STEM education by establishing fully equipped science centers in neighboring schools. By the end of 2023, we had successfully set up 21 science laboratories, providing students with the resources and facilities needed to excel in STEM subjects.
Education
At SAPREF, we believe that education is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. As a result, a significant portion of our social investment budget is dedicated to educational initiatives, with a strong focus on mathematics, science, and technology education.
Mandela Day Projects
In celebration of Mandela Day, we challenged each department to adopt an NGO or charity organization of their choice to support. This initiative provided a meaningful opportunity for our employees to make a difference, give back to the community, and strengthen our bond as Team SAPREF -all for a great cause.
Project Serve
At SAPREF, we believe in making a meaningful impact beyond the workplace. Project SERVE, our staff social investment program, encourages employees to actively participate in community initiatives. Through this program, SAPREF provides matching funds to employee teams who contribute financially or through hands-on efforts to improve conditions in various communities. Our dedicated staff have transformed lives through numerous initiatives, demonstrating our commitment to social responsibility and sustainable community development. Together, we are making a difference—one project at a time.
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Corporate Social Investment (CSI)
At SAPREF, we are committed to the development and well-being of our neighboring communities through a range of sustainable initiatives in education, health, welfare, and environmental conservation. Our social investment program primarily supports communities near our operations, including Austerville, Wentworth, Merebank, Isipingo, Umlazi, Lamontville, and Bluff. In addition to our flagship projects, SAPREF provides NGOs with the opportunity to apply for funding to implement sustainable community initiatives within these areas. Funding applications are open during the first quarter of each year, and requests outside this period cannot be considered.
Health And Welfare
SAPREF is dedicated to uplifting social services and improving the quality of life for our neighboring communities through targeted social investment programs. Like many South African communities, the South Durban Basin faces significant health and welfare challenges, including high rates of TB and HIV, substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, and unemployment. To address these issues, we actively support community-based organizations through various health and welfare initiatives each year. In 2024, we partnered with Bluff, Merebank, Isipingo, and Gateway Clinics, providing essential resources such as office chairs, fridges, PA systems, blood pressure machines, and whiteboards. Our commitment to supporting local healthcare facilities remains strong, and we plan to continue working with clinics in the region to enhance healthcare services for the communities we serve.
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Durban South Training Trust
We grow our own future talent by providing qualifications and experience to youth so that they are employable in the rest of the technical industry.
To improve our local youth’s skills and enhance their career prospects, Learnership and Apprenticeship programmes are offered as a combination of study and practical on-the-job training. These programs play an important role in advancing their careers as they lead to SAQA aligned qualifications.
Some of the learners in our Learnership school are trained through, Durban South Training Trust (DSTT), where provide artisan training in boiler making, welding and mechanical fitting from the Durban South community.